Parker reprint and site update

By Trent

I just received word from the University of Chicago Press that they have secured the rights to all of the Parker novels through Butcher’s Moon. This is great news, as Butcher’s Moon, Plunder Squad and some of the other late original-run Parker novels cost a fortune used. Before too long, they will be available in handsome and affordable editions.

I also wanted to drop a quick note regarding the lack of updates lately. I have recently become unemployed. One would think that this would mean that I would have more free time; it’s actually resulted in less. If I’m not job-hunting or networking, I’m hustling for some commission-based work to bring in a few bucks.

Rest assured that the site is not abandoned. I’m waiting on my copy of the comics adaptation of The Hunter and will have a review up once I get it. I will also continue to post any other important Westlake/Stark news. Less time-sensitive material will probably have to wait. If you’ve e-mailed me cover scans or other useful things, know that they are not forgotten and will be posted when life settles down.

U of C does not plan on reprinting the Grofield novels, because (from memory) a university press needs an academic purpose for what it prints. The Parker novels are important, but that case just can’t be made for the Grofield novels.

Future printings of Plunder Squad and Butcher’s Moon? Take THAT, eBay and AbeBooks!

With any reprint series like this, there’s always the fear funding will dry up or sales will be too low to continue so that we’re stuck with half of a complete series. From the looks of it, I’m glad they’ll make it all the end of original series.

U of C mentioned in their last e-mail to me that they might be coming out early, but I didn’t have a date. I’ll try to find out if your copies are a fluke or if they are generally available and get a post up. Thanks for the heads-up!

I got my copies of The Seventh,The Handle and The Rare Coin Score from Amazon last week. Not thrilled about the change to the type, which shortened the books by about 50 pages, but otherwise, they look great.

I'll have more at the site when I get a chance to write it, but this is sad news. Brian Garfield was not only a hell of a writer, but a really nice guy.
https://t.co/ZtFwM1Q9dB

Ralph Dennis' Hardman series begins coming back in print today from Brash Books. Read about Dennis here, including his previously unpublished novel that "...makes Parker look like a sissy." I haven't read Dennis' work yet, but lots of friends are fans. https://t.co/ItJvWdKeje